Types

• The cost of an inground pool filter depends on the type of filter you choose. Sand filters are the oldest type of inground filter. These push water through a filter of sand so that clean water exits the filter, leaving dirty water trapped inside. However, sand filters must be cleaned out every week and are not as effective as other types of filters. Cartridges are larger than sand filters and offer the lowest maintenance. They catch debris that floats in and releases clean water. These filters initially cost more but cost less to maintain. Diatomaceous earth filters catch even the tiniest particles of debris, making them the most expensive and most effective filters.
  
  

Cost

• The initial cost of a filter varies, depending on the type of filter and where you purchase it. According to BackyardCityPools, a pool supplies retailer company out of Collierville, Tennessee, sand filters range from $300 to $700, along with the cost of sand. Cartridge filters range from $400 to more than $1,000, while diatomaceous earth filters range from $600 to $900. The size of an inground pool and how often you use it play a big role in the type of filter you choose. According to an MSN Money article, the average cost of running an inground pool filter can add at least $50 to a household electric bill per month.
  
  

Considerations

• The cost of running the filter is only one part of a much larger filtration operation. Along with the filter, an inground pool also contains a pump, which circulates the water, ensuring that all of the water in the pool goes through the filter. A chemical system is also necessary to kill bacteria, viruses and algae, helping to relieve the filter of extra duties. You also need tools that measure the chemical composition of a pool; too many chemicals can damage a filter.
  
  

Saltwater Filters

• A saltwater filtration system for inground pools reduces the cost of cleaning a pool while still destroying bacteria, viruses and algae. Small amounts of salt are added to the water. The resulting salt water is transformed in chlorination. This system typically must run more often during significantly hot weather and on days with numerous swimmers in the water. Even so, according to consumer guide SwimmingPools101, this saltwater system can save on energy costs because it results in fewer chemicals clogging the filter. However, the startup cost of saltwater pools are generally higher than chlorine pools.
  
  

Cost Cutters

• Other than saltwater systems, there are numerous other ways to cut costs in running a filter for an inground swimming pool. Figure out how often a pump and filter should run for a pool like yours. You may be able to do much of the work yourself. Use a pool net to fish out large pieces of debris from the pool. This boosts the life of a filter and reduces its workload.